Besides causing 60 percent increase in various diseases, the air pollution has damaged the natural ability of plants to release oxygen along main arteries in Karachi, said a report prepared by Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.
Suparco conducted a survey about air pollution in Karachi through two mobile laboratories, having five scientists, two engineers and other technical staff. The report was compiled after the survey of 28 main arteries of city.
The mobile units noted the ratio of pollution and quantity of noise at the roads. Survey team also researched on plants and buildings along 28 arteries of city.
The survey team took the tests of shopkeepers, persons passing there and got blood samples of drivers and personnel of traffic police. The tests of these blood samples were conducted by Liaquat National Hospital.
"Cancer and other diseases of ear, throat, lungs have increased 60 percent in the city due to smoke emitted by vehicles, which is basically a form of carbon dioxide", said the survey report. "Air pollution and high rise buildings damaged greenery of city. Trees and other plants along the main arteries, have lost their natural ability of releasing oxygen due to non-availability of proper sunlight", Suparco reported.
"Plants have changed their colour and turned into blackish form. Leaves of the plants have shrunk due to air pollution", report says.
"Buildings along 28 arteries of the city were also affected by the air pollution as there is a thick layer of oil and dust on the whole structure", it says.
Suparco revealed in report that air pollution in the city is much higher than the standard set by the World Health Organisation and World Bank, specially on M.A. Jinnah Road between Tibet Center, Saddar to Tower.
Suparco team, for the eradication of pollution suggested to the concerned officials to make proper system for traffic, impose ban on diesel vehicles, two stroke rickshaws should be replaced with four stroke and also impose ban on setting garbage on fire.
The team stressed that government must look into the matter of arteries, as the roads in Karachi planned for 750 vehicles per hour, were now used by 11,000 vehicles in an hour which is also a cause of pollution and damages to roads.
Dr Qaiser Sajjad, ENT surgeon of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Secretary of Pakistan Medical Association, said while talking to this news agency that diseases are spreading fast due to pollution. Especially the children are losing their competence, he added.
He said that High Court took a suo moto action on the matter of pollution in city and ordered to concerned authorities to take measures for eradication of pollution in three months but government has not taken the matter seriously.
"If government does not take steps for eradication of pollution then in coming five years the situation will be out of control", he said.
"PMA demands from government to urgently take steps for the future of Karachiites", he said.
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